firebase-basics/references/local-env-setup.md

Firebase Local Environment Setup

This skill documents the bare minimum setup required for a full Firebase experience for the agent. Before starting to use any Firebase features, you MUST verify that each of the following steps has been completed.

1. Verify Node.js

• Action: Run node --version.

• Handling: Ensure Node.js is installed and the version is >= 20. If Node.js is missing or < v20, install it based on the operating system:

  Recommended: Use a Node Version Manager This avoids permission issues when installing global packages.

  For macOS or Linux:

  1. Guide the user to the official nvm repository.
  2. Request the user to manually install nvm and reply when finished. Stop and wait for the user's confirmation.
  3. Make nvm available in the current terminal session by sourcing the appropriate profile:

     # For Bash
     source ~/.bash_profile
     source ~/.bashrc
     
     # For Zsh
     source ~/.zprofile
     source ~/.zshrc
     

  4. Install Node.js:

     nvm install 24
     nvm use 24
     

  For Windows:

  1. Guide the user to download and install nvm-windows.
  2. Request the user to manually install nvm-windows and Node.js, and reply when finished. Stop and wait for the user's confirmation.
  3. After the user confirms, verify Node.js is available:

     node --version
     

  Alternative: Official Installer

  1. Guide the user to download and install the LTS version from nodejs.org.
  2. Request the user to manually install Node.js and reply when finished. Stop and wait for the user's confirmation.

2. Verify Firebase CLI

• Command: npx -y firebase-tools@latest --version
• Expected: Successfully outputs a version string.

3. Verify Firebase Authentication

You must be authenticated to manage Firebase projects.

• Action: Run npx -y firebase-tools@latest login.
• Handling: If the environment is remote or restricted (no browser access), run npx -y firebase-tools@latest login --no-localhost instead.

4. Install Agent Skills and MCP Server

To fully manage Firebase, the agent needs specific skills and the Firebase MCP server installed. Refer to the main SKILL.md for direct links to the installation instructions specific to your agent environment.

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CRITICAL AGENT RULE: Do NOT proceed with any other Firebase tasks until EVERY step above has been successfully verified and completed.